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Do or don't: Pendleton blankets

Today is rainy and grey in New York, so let's talk about blankets! Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. Pendleton blankets look beautiful, rustic and all-American; I love the stripes and saddles. But I'm curious: Have you guys ever felt them? Do they feel soft and cozy? I'm never sure about the wool! xoxo

208 comments:

I have one, but I definitely don't use it to cuddle up with... strictly for display only. My cuddle up blanket is a super plush faux fur wonder of a blanket... it's so warm and not really the classiest looking thing, but SO warm!

Do! I recently purchased one from Urban Outfitters, and I keep it folded up in a wire basket in my living room when I'm not using it. Pendleton blankets are the greatest - super warm and super adorable.

I LOVE a cozy blanket (my husband is always teasing me about being wrapped up), and these are lovely. BUT I'm way to practical to spend that much money on something that's going to be thrown on the floor, dragged across the room like a magic carpet, used as a ghosty-ghost costume, or turned into a fort/tent by my kiddo. My rule of thumb is that anything we own has to be fair game as entertainment, because eventually it will all be used that way.

my feet are ALWAYS freezing and pendletons are not soft and fuzzy(sort of rough actually), but are quite warm. we use them as the top blanket (on top of two down comforters) on all our beds. for the couch we have fuzzier, cozier, blankets. fake furs and synthetic super soft things. and always a real sheep fleece on the floor by the woodstove. we spend the winter fighting the cold so aesthetics fly out the window at some point......

I love vintage wool, they are so warm but I do have to have my skin covered (as in fully clothed) before covering up because they can get scratchy. There's nothing like natural fibers in my book!xoChar

I like them, but don't buy it if you want authentic Native American design--because they aren't. Next best thing to it, though. When they were first made in the early 1900s or so, they were a huge hit with tribes in the area! They do incorporate some of those designs, but they change them up a lot, and mix things, and add whatever they feel like adding.

I dont know if you can find them any more (they might have gone out of business) but my parents have Beacon blankets from NC. They wool and super soft and plushy and they are a similar style to pendelton

sitting around in a blanket watching tv or just plain old sitting is my favorite pastime. i'm a jaded 25 year old. love these pendletons. but not an advisable purchase for a 25 year old in these economic times. now i really sound like a curmudgeon !ps, http://amandamantes.blogspot.com !

Meant to add, I love blankets! I use them so often that my 2 year old actually brings me one anytime I sit down. I have my fingers crossed that one day I will be able to afford a Swans Island blanket, because they are just amazing! Here's the link: http://www.swansislandblankets.com/index.html

In my experience (I'm a Portlander too) the throws are nice and soft, but the larger blankets work better as a layer on a bed on top of sheets or other blankets. They are scratchy. I hope you find a good one!

recently vacationed in Portland & could not pass up buying a Pendleton blanket! we bought the Yakima camp blanket (love the stripes!) and love it. we are going to use it on our guest bed as an extra warm layer.

DO. I used to hate it when my dad would bring me a wool blanket when I was little because I thought it was scratchy, but I would fall asleep warm and cozy in no time. Now I can't wait for winter so I can get out my wool blankets and snuggle under them! Best investment ever. The ones I grew up with were probably already 2 generations old!

I have a big blanket basket for snuggling potential, but the Pendleton blankets I've had are always too stiff and itchy. Plus, we are a family prone to spills...so blankets have to be washable! I love old quilts, crocheted afghans (anyone else like to stick their toes through the holes when you were little? :) Ok, even as a grown up? :)....) and the microfiber plushy ones are yummy for burrowing in on a chilly evening!!!

we always have blankets around the living room this time of year. my favorite is a wool piece i picked up in england over the summer at a National Trust site gift shop (so random). it's wool, but surprisingly not very scratchy. and the price was amazing for how large the blanket is--just looked and they have them for sale online too!

I'm a total blanket ho'. My favorite couch blanket is an actual comforter I got on clearance at West Elm a few years back. It's soft, fluffy, and I feel like a wild child for using a comforter on the couch (that's not where it goes! It's crazy, I tell ya!)

As a fellow lady suffering from freezing-foot syndrome I recommend Ugg slippers. I hate that I love them so much, but the are truly magical. I'm wearing them right now! And just in case you're wondering, I have not yet bought an "outside the house" pair of Uggs :) (and I've been a slipper fan for 5 years!)

They are essential for autumn and I love cuddling up in them in front of the TV. Being in the UK we have a Japanese store called Muji selling 100% wool blankets which are really cosy. Unfortunately they only come in grey or brown but hey, they are warm! The other great thing are indoor sheepskin boots. A must for drafty floorboards :)

I'm in agreeance; the Pendletons we have at home are an added layer on the bed because some can be quite scratchy. I love that both of the ones you highlighted are made in the USA.

My ALL-TIME favorite cozy and warm blanket is made by Barefoot Dreams. I received mine as a graduation gift years ago. Their Bamboo Chic and Cozy Chic blankets are almost like those ultrasoft chenille socks in blanket form. They are amazing! Plus they make baby and receiving blankets. They're sweet, simple, soft and can go right in the wash!

Do! We have two Pendleton blankets and we use them all the time. We use the big queen-size one as a second layer to our down comforter in winter (we get cold!) and it is the most amazing warmth possible. We also use it and a smaller throw around the house (sitting at the computer, on the couch watching TV, even on really cold days at the dinner table).

No, they are not as cuddly soft as microfleece, but they are still soft and will last way longer (several generations!). I usually don't wrap up in blankets wearing a t-shirt so the warmth these blankets provide outweighs the "cost" of a little wool fiber. I'm usually already wearing a cozy sweater or sweatshirt and pants, so there's no direct skin contact.

Really, Pendleton blankets are amazing and you should go for it Joanna! :)

Hmm, that's an interesting question. I have never touched Pendleton blankets, but I always thought they looked they might itch... But I'd love a soft cozy blankie to cuddle with when I watch TV in the evening. And, yes, my feet are always freezing!

I too love the look of pendleton blankets but they do look itchy and scratchy. As far as the cold feet are concerned....luckily, I have a pup with a warm belly that doesn't mind laying on top of my feet :)

Sounds like these blankets are the American equivalent of the all-Canadian Hudson's Bay blanket...which I very much want! (Although I just saw on the website that the blankets are actually made in England, haha.)

I am addicted to my raspberry colored Snuggie. At first I thought this has to be the cheesiest blanket ever. But thenmy sister gave me one for Christmas and shortly afterwards started appreciating the fact that my arms stay in the cozy warmth and softness of the snuggie while I am comfortably sipping a glass of wine ;) It's brilliant for wine / hot chocolate lovers ;)

DO!!!They're beautiful, cozy, soft and last forever. My mom has made a capote from one. I have one for couch lounging. I recently gave my dad one called "Father's Eyes" which is gorgeous with sweet symbolism. It's worth it to go for a Pendleton over a knock off since they're such great quality.

Depends... I'm from the Pacific Northwest and our family has been there for generations so Pendleton blankets are a point of pride and a must for the entire family. I haven't celebrated a single major life event without being gifted one. The throws are thinner and softer and excellent for the sofa... the thicker ones that comes in sizes intended for the bed are best as a second layer... you'd def. want a sheet in between you and it. It's also super nice for winter... because wool is so breathable you don't get sweaty.

I always have a couple of wool blankets in our living room for snuggling on cold nights, to throw over my little boy if he falls asleep on the sofa. I get mine from www.avoca.ie or www.lauraashley.co.uk

When I lived in TN, I would have to get in a hot hot bath every night before I could get in to bed, just to let my feet thaw! They would be blue sometimes!! And some times by husband would warm a rice-filled sock in the microwave and throw it in the foot of the bed so it was already warm when I got in. :)

definitely a do!!!!! they are amazing. though I wouldn't get a saddle blanket. they are more traditional wool "saddle" blankets, meant to be thrown over the horse. they are more for show, less for snuggling. the merino throws are super soft and the 5th avenue throws are like clouds. all of the bed blankets would be perfectly soft! we have a camp blanket and I'm longing for a Jacquard. it's hard not to have a zillion blankets from Pendleton - especially since I work there. ha!

2 things:do! those blankets are super comfortable and super adorable. And, yes, my feet are always freezing. My husband hates when I do this, but if we are sitting together on the couch, I put my feet under him to warm them up!

We have two Pendleton's both of which we keep on the bed since we don't have heat upstairs. I wouldn't call them cuddly though, definitely warm. When I'm on the couch I usually have a fleece blanket or a quilt, either way something that can be washed easily since I usually have a snuggly puppy on top of it.

We have a sofa blanket that's hand dyed and so soft and more washable (read baby friendly) than a wool blanket. Made by an artist in Asheville, NC with some beautiful and graphic choices that are all natural and so soft: http://blazingshuttles.com/slideshows. Happy fall blanket snuggling!

Yes, Pendletons are so warm and will last forever! Another natural fabric option I like are the cotton throws from Dash and Albert (they may great rugs too!). They are really soft and are great year round. http://www.dashandalbert.com/cotton-throws

Do! Go for the "napped" blankets, because they're softer and warmer. But even the unnapped blankets don't scratch. And to other commenters who worry about the durability--Pendleton blankets are meant to be used! So get yourself a Pendleton and wrap up in it, drag it on the floor, make a fort, let the dog sneak a nap on it. Just use it. My problem is that I work here, so I have one or two on every bed and one over the arm of every sofa and chair, but I still have more than I can use.

Pendleton blankets look so nice, but I'd feel like the wool wasn't soft and cozy enough. I bought a crocheted-style throw from Crate & Barrel (I love that store) a while ago and I love it for the couch when watching movies. And yes, sometimes I just use it for my feet ;)

I love the Pendleton blankets. I don't own one myself, but my mom has one with a cowgirl on it. Seriously, my favorite blanket. It is super warm without being too bulky. And if it is scratchy at first, don't worry, it will soften with love and use. But seriously, get one. They are gorgeous and so well made. And I think so cozy :)

I fully endorse Brahm's Mount, as well as Swan's Island Blankets. They ain't cheap, but we received them as wedding presents and they are the softest wool blankets ever. You could also try Macausland's Woolen Mills in Canada for something just as beautiful but more affordable.

We received a gorgeous Navajo-print Pendleton blanket as a wedding gift that we display in our living room (it sits atop a dark leather Pottery Barn chair). It's beautiful, but I never curl up with it--too scratchy for that. I love it as an accent piece, but for throw blankets, I stocked up on some super plush ones from LL Bean last winter and they can't be beat! SO soft and cozy and they were only about $20 each.

I REALLY want a Pendleton blanket. I moved to Oregon last year, then went to Crater Lake... and my favorite style happens to be the Crater Lake blanket. Now I really need one! I told my husband that it would be my Oregon souvenir. In the meantime, I cuddle up with an antique quilt I found at a yard sale for only $25! It's wonderful.

Oooh this summer I lived in Pendleton Oregon and worked for an Indian tribe out there and I actually visited the Pendleton Wollen Mills while I was out there. It was really cool to see how the blankets are made (apparently it's one of like 3 textile manufactures in USA or something crazy). Anyway, the blankets are super warm, and I LOVE the way they look but they're not soft like fleece. They feel a little wool-like, so if you're looking for super soft then they probably aren't what you want. But I'm in love with Pendleton Blankets and I WILL buy a big one someday (when I am a real grown-up and I have a real job haha). They'll definitely keep you warm, and they're super "in" right now too. Plus they're "classic" at the same time. So I'd say go for it!

The best blankets for cozying up in front of the TV are weirdly from the Sharper Image. I have two. They look almost like fleece but are SO soft and cuddly and don't get pilly like fleece would. They are also that perfect size of not too big and big enough to cover your toes.

We sell them at the store I work at in the Twin Cities and on their site (http://www.patinastores.com). From my experience folding them at work, they are pretty rough and not very supple...Probably not the best cuddly blanket!

My parents have had a Pendleton blanket for years, and I always sleep with it when I visit them. I love the bright colors, and the wool is not itchy at all. The blanket itself is heavy, but I like snuggling up under it because of that. Definitely perfect for the rainy weather we've been having!

I own one of their merino wool throws (in the Dress Stewart Tartan pattern) and it lives on our sofa. I have to fight the urge to buy one for every room. Their motor robe type blankets aren't cuddle blankets, but their merino wool throws are brilliant.

Pendleton blankets are not scratchy, but they are itchy. Right? They're wool, and if you are cuddling up with them, you are going to want a layer of something between you and it. Having said that, they are timeless and endlessly classic, and I love them and you won't regret buying one. But if cuddly-ness is what you're looking for, I would say to make a not-all-wool choice.

Denton was rainy and chilly (for Texas) on Monday and I also felt I should post about blankets! My roommates and I have a mexican wool throw, which I'm pretty sure is very similar, and it's the exact blanket I was cuddling with (while my feet were freeeezing) when I posted. So yes! Go for it :)

I LOVE this look. It really does add warmth to a room while adding a cozy, attention-adding piece. Another great look are hand-knit/woven/crocheted throws. Just because they're handmade doesn't mean you have to put the hours of effort into it! They also bring such lovely comfort to a room.

I love my wool blanket a LOT. I recommend you ask Crispina French at Crispina.com to make you a beautiful felted one out of recycled wool. She has none listed right now, but they are artistic, beautiful and cozy.

Hey, I live in Oregon so I'm familiar with all things Pendleton. You should go for the 5th Avenue throw for a cuddly blanket, the wool is a little softer. IMO, the other blankets are pretty scratchy but amazingly warm.

As a native Portlander, my family used Pendleton blankets (and skirts! the best) as long as I can remember. Super, super warm--though they aren't the soft cushy blankets you may be used to, they're more stiff--but warmer! Great for the bed and for watching TV by the fire.

I have one (I'm also from Portland, surprise!) and I put it on my bed in the winter but not to get cozy with... more to bury under, with a layer of something softer in between. The look is classic though. I use fleece blankets to get cozy with on the couch, love how soft they are.

Never tried a Pendleton, but I am obsessed with this throw from Pottery Barn: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/essential-cozy-plaid-neutral-throw/?pkey=e%7Cthrow%7C15%7Cbest%7C0%7C1%7C24%7C%7C11&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Sku_Top_Marketing_Rule-_-

Have you ever encountered coverme.com? It's a New Zealand company that makes the most wonderful, soft and elegant covers from lambswool (which is the best). By the way, have you also met finisterre.co.uk? The breton striped hat and scarf would be wonderful for Toby, I think. My feet used to be always cold, but in the last two years I've put on about 35 pounds, and I'm better about it.

I am a Portlander, and bought one at the Pendleton Round up when I was 13, 20 years ago. It is still going strong and my favorite fall blanket, picnic blanket, camping blanket, fire place cozy blanket.

Mine is plain red and washed in cold wonderfully. I think they are worth the investment

my feet are always freezing cold too, but I was told in medical school that there is a physiological explanation for it. Basically, women (unlike men) have to maintain a warmer core body temperature therefore our feet and hands are often cold. (that's why I'm all sitting under a woollen blanket right now:)

Joanna, we own three of these, all purchased on sale from Pendleton or REI. They're warm, fairly soft, and are fantastic for winter months. In fact, we replaced our comforter with a Pendleton blanket and absolutely love it. Highly recommended! Good luck!

We had these on the massage tables at the spa I work at for years! We sold them there and I own a bunch of them. They're soft and warm, not SUPER cozy, but definitely comfy enough to use them on the couch. They also get softer as they are broken in more. You do have to dry clean them. I LOVE mine! I'd say get one. It's sort of an heirloom piece as well.

I got a "baby blanket" pendleton to drape over Hawk's crib. It's basically a mini pendleton. We LOVE that one too!

Aww, all these comments make me feel ungirly -- I'm always burning up, especially my hands and feet! I sleep under just a sheet, and usually still need to stick my hot feet out because even that's too much for them...

I haven't tried these yet, but I HIGHLY recommend the Timothy Paul Celine Throw Blanket. They're beautiful, soft and machine-washable. Plus they come in some gorgeous colors, like Paprika: http://timothypaulbedding.com/store/product101.html.

I have two of the Pendleton Eco-Wise blankets (queen-size and a checkered throw), and I would highly recommend them. Most Pendleton blankets are dry-clean only, which is not doable in our household. You can throw the Eco-Wise line straight in the washing machine and even the dryer!

I have a queen-size Eco-Wise blanket for our master bed, and it's warm enough that even on the chilliest of Chicago nights, we only need that plus a sheet and a cotton blanket underneath. All of those items will fit in a normal-size washing machine -- no need to truck a giant duvet to the dry cleaner anymore!

P.S.: They also sell pricier but more trendy colors of the Pendleton Eco-Wise bed-size blankets at Room & Board.

Don't! Luckily the pendleton blanket I have was purchased at an amazing garage sale because the wool isn't soft at all! They are great for display though sadly. Joanne Fabrics has a few great alternatives that I used for a blanket for my son... I believe they are called Anti Pill fleece. The fabric I bought is a brown/ creme navajo print with skulls (not the cheesy kind!).

Also, consider washing a pendleton blanket too... it is such a pain especially if you lived in a city where you can't hang it out to dry!

I grew up with them and have about 6 altogether and one on my bed now over our down comforter. They're usually used as the top blanket to keep the heat in and not typically used bare on your skin, but once you break them in, they're very soft. I've had the one on our bed (this sounds outrageous), for over 20 years! They're lifetime blankets, so in that sense, they're amazing! While they've been extremely trendy in the past fews years, we consider them traditional and classic. I vote you get one, good luck!

Do- We live in Oregon and my husband actually grew up just outside of Pendleton and we have several of these and love them. They make a lot of different blankets and some are scratchier than others. They are very warm though and great for our cold winters. Just remember because they are wool they have special washing instructions.

I'm a native Oregonian who doesn't own a Pendleton - they're expensive! I'd love to have one. You can't go wrong with one - it's a worthwhile investment if you can make it.Now, on to cold feet: my friend makes adorable bunny slippers that are quite cozy, and cute! You can take them to a cobbler to have a little leather sole put on them, too, if you wish. They're made to order at her store Oui Presse here in Portland. Here's a picture of them from a local newspaper gift guide:http://oui-presse.com/the-return-of-the-bunny-slippers/they are soft and cozy!

Avoca of Ireland makes wonderfully soft wool throws and blankets along with cashmere/wool blends. Gorgeous colors and plaids...I love cuddling on the sofa with mine for an evening movie. Hubby does too! http://www.avoca.ie/home/

I'm telling you if you want to feel what heaven is in the form of a blanket, get a Barefoot Dreams throw! It's not a display blanket per say (although, it's not atrocious), but you will LOVE it... swear.

i LOVE them! i am the proud owner of my mom's old pendleton. it's the cream one with the red, blue, green, and yellow stripes. she slept under it as a little girl during winter, and now it sits happily in my living room for extra chilly nights. i will always treasure it!

I get cold feet too! I stick mine in sheepskin slippers to warm them up. Or cozy socks. Or a hot water bottle. Or all of the above!

As for blankets, I recommend buying an antique Welsh wool blanket... they're gorgeous and unique. I have three, and they're all wonderfully soft, not itchy or scratchy at all. I curl up under them all the time, and even against bare skin, they're soft. Here's where I've bought mine: http://www.welshblankets.co.uk/ - the shipping costs a bit to get sent to the US, but it's so worth it, they're heirlooms. Browse through them (prices vary). It's like owning history.

Pendleton blankets are the best looking blankets around. But last winter I discovered microplush blankets (not to be confused with microfleece). They don't pill and there is nothing as soft or cozy in the whole world. They look best in white or beige. You can get them at a good price at Marshalls. I highly recommend it!

Soft enough unless you're like me and like to put the blanket under your chin! My husband runs a vintage men's clothing shop that sells almost exclusively Pendleton and products from other american made woolen mills. They have a ton of blankets in their stock. www.greenwichvintage.us. They are just getting their web presence together so the online store isn't up, but if you contact him zen AT greenwichvintage.us, he'll let you know what color and patterns they have in stock and send you photos. If you find a keeper, I'll make him let me test it for softness before you commit!

I've had a Hudson's Bay blanket for a few years. HB blankets are little pieces of Canadian history. They're 100% wool and Pendleton has actually ripped off their stripe pattern, which is a reference to the blankets that the fur traders used to sell to the natives and Métis way back when and has become a classic Canadian icon. Anyway, my HB blanket was a little scratchy at first but has broken in well and is the softest, warmest blanket ever. I imagine a Pendleton would do the same thing. So definitely buy one and stick out the scratchies for a month or so!

I was just thinking about these blankets because we just learned about wool in my textiles class! I love them because they are warm, but I will second all of the comments that say they're a bit scratchy. They're perfect to use with another blanket!

Pendleton blankets are wonderful! Just the right weight, soft and warm. I buy from a series of blankets that are designed to express a Native American story or tradition and a portion of the proceeds go to a Native American College Fund.

DO!!! I have a few vintage ones from my grandparents, and I adore them in the winter. They're especially great at the bottom of the bed, on top of a down comforter. Such classic style and beautiful colors, and for me, many memories, too.

,,,love pendleton and we have a couple that i love to take to football games to warm the legs while sitting in the bleachers or using them for picnic blankets, but...honestly they're too *itchey* for a blanket to cozy up with,,,we have a couple of soft, cozy white throws we use winter, spring, summer and fall we couldn't live without them!,,,

Jo - yes, this is a total Oregon thing. We are so proud of our Pendleton mill! When a classmate in my doctoral program showed up wearing one of his grandfather's plaid wool shirts one day, I totally made him check the tag to see if it was a Pendleton. He could *not* understand why I was so excited when my suspicion was confirmed. ;)

As to the blankets, yes, my parents had one when I was little, black with a red stripe like the classic Hudson Bay Company blankets traded at Fort Astoria over on the coast. Honestly, though, I always thought it was itchy. Still, I'd love to own one one day.

I have this psychological thing where I it's impossible for me to feel comfortable/cozy as I'm watching a movie or reading a book UNLESS I have a blanket. I will open windows in the summer, just so it will be cool enough to use one.

Let me tell you, I cannot live without a cozy blanket next to my couch...and I live in Australia! (I'll blame the poorly insulated houses on that one) But since I got a wool blanket, i will never go back. It's infinitely warmer and you get over the scratchy-ness quickly! Check out "Hudson's Bay" blankets. I'm originally from Canada and these blankets date back to the fur trade and have beautiful, thick coloured stripes in navy, yellow, red and green on a cream background. Just beautiful.

I have a cashmere blanket that I got as a gift and it's the best thing ever...super soft and definitely cuddly. As for my feet, they are always freezing and my husband is like a heater so I always try to warm them up on his bare feet when we're in bed. I know it's mean (I'm not proud of it) but he is so warm and I feel better instantly! He always wants to know why I don't just put on a pair of socks but it's just not the same! :)

My dad worked for Pendelton for many years, so I grew up with these blankets. Some of them are very beautiful, but as it turns out, I am allergic to the wool! It really is very scratchy, and works well as a layering blanket, but not so much to cuddle up with next to the skin.

I was given a Pendleton blanket as a wedding gift. It is beautiful but not what I would call cuddly, so I only use it as a display piece.

My cure for cold girl feet: Purchase an electric heating pad and stick it under the covers by your feet. My heating pad has a timer, which works great at night. The warmth lures me to sleep, but eventually cools down so I sleep great!